Columns

Federal regulations are a costly, overreaching web which stifles innovation, germinates uncertainty, and often burdens the very people they purport to protect. Regulatory overreach by the Obama and Biden administrations extended well beyond congressional intent – creating the potential to upend industry. I have continually worked to rein in this unchecked rulemaking and restore accountability to federal agencies, and I appreciate the progress we have made since January.

In contrast to the previous four years, trade has been at the forefront since January, and the pace has not slowed as we reach year-end. In recent weeks the administration has begun the mandatory six-year review of the U.S-Canada-Mexico Agreement, announced trade deals and frameworks with several Latin American and Asian partners, updated the Agreement on Trade and Agricultural Products with Israel, and inked a major agreement with People’s Republic of China which eases tensions and resumes Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans.  

Spanning our state - Missouri River to panhandle - Nebraska’s Third District has been blessed with a breadth of natural resources. Although much of our state is naturally arid, generations of hard work, determination, and feats of engineering have maximized our resources to provide for local needs, feed the world, and minimize flooding risks.

As we look ahead to America 250 next year – a milestone which invites reflection on our nation’s remarkable journey – I am reminded of the timeless wisdom of those who guided us through earlier tests of unity and purpose. While presidents dating back to George Washington in 1789 have recognized days of thanksgiving, President Lincoln was the first to proclaim the last Thursday in November as a national holiday. The tradition was continued by Lincoln’s successors, including Ulysses S.

While we have successfully enacted major legislation this year to protect our borders, cut taxes for families, and restore faith in government this year, opportunities abound for further progress to improve the lives of Nebraska families.  Nowhere is that more clear than in the House Ways and Means Committee, where I serve. We continue to make progress across the issue areas within the committee’s jurisdiction, with key developments involving trade, health, and tax.

This week, as we do every November 11, America paused to remember the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line to defend liberty and opportunity for their neighbors at home and friends of freedom around the world. The following day, the House of Representatives approved the Senate-passed agreement which will reopen the federal government through the end of January. The bill, which I supported, also completes our work funding several agencies for the full fiscal year, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S.

On October 15, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Medicare open enrollment window began. This important annual opportunity allows seniors to select their Medicare coverage, including Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, for 2026.

As farmers conclude the harvest season, market access for high-quality American products is top of mind for the agriculture industry. Because Third District Nebraskans have an extraordinary ability to meet demand for consumers around the globe, advancing sound trade policy is at the forefront of my work in Congress. Despite good yields, high input prices and trade barriers have constrained margins for producers. It is more important than ever to secure a level playing field in markets around the world.